Studies: Zykadia shrank tumors in patients with ALK+ NSCLC
July 6th 2015New data from two phase 2 studies showed ceritinib (Zykadia) shrank tumors in patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive (ALK+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who had received previous treatment with an ALK inhibitor and in those receiving an ALK inhibitor for the first time.
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Over-prescribing antibiotics to nursing home residents dangerous for all
July 2nd 2015Antibiotics are frequently and often inappropriately prescribed to nursing home residents, according to a new study in JAMA Internal Medicine. These antibiotics pose direct risks to recipients and indirect risks to others residents.
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US alleges Novartis paid kickbacks to specialty pharmacies
July 2nd 2015In a new lawsuit, the U.S. government alleges Novartis paid kickbacks to specialty pharmacies to increase sales of deferasirox (Exjade), which removes excess iron from the blood of patients who receive transfusions, and mycophenolic acid (Myfortic), to prevent rejection of kidney transplants.
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Cancer drug: Are the high benefits worth the high risks?
July 1st 2015Patients with previously-treated metastic colorectal cancer (mCRC) taking regorafenib (Stivarga) experienced progression-free survival of 2.7 months, according to new data presented at the recent ESMO 17th World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer 2015 in Barcelona.
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First-in-class therapy promising for Parkinson's disease psychosis
July 1st 2015A first-in-class antipsychotic that is a selective serotonin inverse agonist (with no dopaminergic, histaminergic, adrenergic, or muscarinic activity) potentially targeting 5-HT2A receptors, improved Parkinson’s disease psychosis (PDP) with demonstrated safety and tolerability, and without worsening motor Parkinson’s, according to data presented in two posters at the 19th International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders (MDS), in San Diego.
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Fighting superbugs: 4 recommendations from Consumer Reports
June 30th 2015According to the August issue of Consumer Reports, the overuse and misuse of antibiotics is leading to the strengthening and spread of dangerous infections that are becoming resistant to these drugs. Here are four recommendations Consumer Reports has for the medical community.
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New study to evaluate lipid management in clinical practice
June 25th 2015As lipid management in the United States under goes transition in response to new guideline recommendations and expanding lipid-lowering therapy options, the Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI) announced a new study to better understand contemporary lipid management as well as the beliefs and attitudes of patient and providers regarding cholesterol, cardiovascular risk assessment, and options for lipid treatments.
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Top 5 reasons Harvoni and Sovaldi may be in trouble
June 24th 2015While sales of Gilead Science’s popular hepatitis C drug, Harvoni, had been performing well for several months, the trend has reversed of late. Hepatitis C drug Sovaldi, also from Gilead, has also hit some bumps in the road – in both the U.S. and China.
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Top 5 ways bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics
June 24th 2015Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem, both in the United States and across the world. The main driving factors behind antibiotic resistance are the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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4 ways the FAST Generics Act will help healthcare
June 23rd 2015Rep. Steve Stivers (R-Ohio) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) have re-introduced the Fair Access for Safe and Timely (FAST) Generics Act to what they say will increase consumer access to generic drugs, boost market competition and ultimately save consumers money.
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